A SCHOOL has been criticised after a teacher asked a pupil to remove a crucifix from around her neck.

The girl's father has condemned the action as “political correctness gone mad”.

Danny Devine claims the school has singled out his 13-year-old daughter. But the school insists she was asked to remove the chain to comply with the school’s health and safety policy.

Mr Devine, 30, a devout Catholic, said: “I have seen other pupils at the school who are not part of the Christian faith, but they’re allowed to wear their religious garments and symbols, so why should my daughter be told to remove a cross which means a lot to her?”

Samantha Devine was told to remove the crucifix and chain to comply with school rules, despite other pupils at the Robert Napier School in Third Avenue, Gillingham, wearing jewellery.

Mr Devine, of Canterbury Street, Gillingham, said: “It’s just political correctness gone absolutely mad. It’s a harmless crucifix and she wears it as a symbol of her religion.

“I’m sure the school wouldn’t dare ask anyone of another religion to remove a symbol representing their faiths or beliefs. This has upset the entire family.”

Paul Jackson, deputy head teacher at Robert Napier, said:“The school has a policy of no jewellery to be worn by any students in Years 7 to 10. All parents and students are aware of this.

“In this particular instance, the student, and parent, were informed that the wearing of the chain was a health and safety hazard, but that we would allow a lapel badge to be worn.

“The only exception to our uniform rule we would consider making is if the jewellery were an essential requirement of a particular religion. We have no reason to believe this to be the case in this instance.”